Warehouse Manager (Cold Store)

Exceed HR and Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceed HR and Recruitment supports a food FMCG client in Johannesburg seeking a Warehouse Manager (Cold Store) to oversee cold storage operations, stock control and compliance with HACCP and safety standards.

You will lead cold store staff, manage forklift operations, and coordinate with QA and dispatch to ensure accurate, timely product flows in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience as Cold Store Supervisor or Manager in FMCG/meat facility.
• Proven experience with forklifts, pallet jacks, Meat-Matrix and/or OMS systems.
• Knowledge of HACCP, cold chain processes and meat handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage all cold store operations: receiving, put-away, picking and dispatch.
• Maintain accurate stock control with FIFO/FEFO and stock takes.
• Monitor cold room capacity and storage to minimise waste and damage.
• Ensure temperatures, records and audits are accurate and compliant.
• Ensure HACCP, food safety, PPE and SOPs are followed.
• Lead, schedule and manage cold store staff, forklift drivers and loaders.
• Train staff on safe handling, hygiene and equipment use; manage attendance.
• Coordinate with dispatch, production, telesales and QA to optimise operations.
• Report stock variances, damages and productivity trends.
• Coordinate packaging, racking and equipment maintenance needs.
• Assist load planning to maximise truck space and meet dispatch deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Excel

OMS systems

Team player

Education

Matric

Diploma/Certificate in Cold Chain

Logistics or Food Safety

Tools

Meat-Matrix

Pallet jacks / forklifts

OMS systems

Job description

Warehouse Manager (Cold Store) job vacancy in Johannesburg.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all cold store operations, including receiving, put-away, picking and dispatch of chilled and frozen products.
• Maintain accurate stock control, including FIFO/FEFO rotation, stock takes and system reconciliations.
• Monitor cold room capacity, product storage and organisation to minimise waste and damage.
• Ensure cold rooms and freezers remain within required temperature ranges and maintain accurate temperature and audit records.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, PPE and company SOPs.
• Lead, schedule and manage cold store staff, forklift drivers and loaders.
• Train staff on safe product handling, hygiene and equipment use, while managing attendance, performance and leave.
• Liaise with dispatch, production, telesales and QA teams to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Monitor and report on stock variances, damages and productivity.
• Coordinate packaging, racking and equipment maintenance requirements.
• Assist with load planning to maximise truck space and meet dispatch deadlines.

Requirements:

• Matric.
• Meat-Matrix experience is essential.
• Diploma or certificate in Cold Chain Management, Logistics or Food Safety will be advantageous.
• 3-5 years' experience as a Cold Store Supervisor or Manager in an FMCG or meat facility.
• Proven experience with forklifts, pallet jacks, Meat-Matrix and/or OMS systems.
• Knowledge of HACCP, cold chain processes and meat handling.
• Strong stock control and administrative skills.
• Good leadership and people management abilities.
• Computer literate, including Excel and OMS systems.
• Ability to work in cold environments and overtime when required.
• Strong attention to detail, discipline and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Team player with a hands-on, deadline-driven approach.